FAQ

Answer

To be eligible for registration in the Kiger Mesteno Association, there are several factors that are considered. First, the horse must be the offspring of a registered Kiger, or must have documentation that it was gathered from the Riddle Mountain Herd Management Area (HMA) or the Kiger HMA. Secondly, the horse must then pass an inspection based on both conformation and dun factor, and must be one of the acceptable colors (Dun, Red Dun, Grulla, Bay, Black, and Claybank). There are many Mustangs from other BLM Herd Management Areas, as well as other breeds that have the dun factor but are not considered a Kiger. To read more on the History of the Kiger Mustangs and why they are from the two HMA’s, please read the History page on this website.

Answer

The DNA testing of registered Kigers is to prove the parentage of the offspring only.
The blood testing originally conducted by Dr. Gus Cothran of the University of Kentucky, Equine Parentage Institute, recognized that the horses used to establish the Kiger and Riddle Mountain Herds had Spanish markers in their blood. A similar test could be conducted on any horse and if the Spanish markers were found, they could be recognized as a Spanish type horse. However, to be registered as a Kiger they would still have to meet all of the requirements set forth in the official rules of the Kiger Mesteno Association for registry. The Kiger is therefore a genetic breed first, a color and phenotypic breed second, and last established by the political boundaries defining its ancestors.